The next morning, a pounding headache woke him up. The weight and the pain tied him to the bed, his body claiming for five more minutes; but the sunlight hit harsh that morning. Besides, the boys would be waiting for him. He got up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

Next to him, Jordan was already up, brushing her hair. He noted, out of the corner of his eye, how the extensions were laid messily on the bedside table.

Her eyes shone as she noticed him awake. Brown, they're rich brown.Oof, a part of him was disappointed, but the other glad. Maybe the drinks had painted his memory as well. Or maybe it was just eye contacts. Either way worked.

"Good morning…"

"Mornin'…"

"You feel like breakfast?"

She shrugged, waving her locks behind her.

"If you pay…"

He rolled his eyes. He barely knew her, but that tone of hers was beginning more familiar than the girl figured.

"You just like pushing my wallet, don't you?"

He was cheeky, he was always cheeky. But her eyes didn't notice that as she nailed a cold glance at him.

"You don't know who I am, do you?"

Was she…Oh yeah, yeah she was. She wasn't a dumbass, he had to give her credit for that. Good. Where he was going, he didn't need dumbasses by his side.

Still, he was far from the billionaire she perceived him to be. Maybe better off than when he was seventeen, but still living on the edge. Or maybe she was just greedy.

"Don't…Don't make me say it."

The joyful playful whore seemed to die whenever the talk of payment sprung. As it should, though it would kill any semblance of fire the two started to build up.

Stop acting like a dumbass, you just met her last night, and she's just playing her part.Was he that horny to be so desperate?

"…Fine, I'll pay, I'll pay, but afterwards."

"That's more like it." Her tone changed to bubbly right there. "Well, I'll tell you something, Tom prepares some damn good coffee. Black, expresso, flat, latte, cappuccino…Of course his bar is more intended towards booze, but he has other gigs on the side. You never know…"

"Booze and partnership, I imagine."

"He just rents us the rooms." She shrugged. "It's comfier that way, and guys venture here often more than in our old shack. It's a living."

He sighed as he looked over his phone screen. 6.40, and the hangover was strengthening. This would be a long day…

"Come, I've got something for you. Coffee, some toast, bacon, avocado, huevos rancheros…?"

He pondered for a minute at how she uttered the last words, seamlessly, as would a natural speaker. Coincidence? But his mind rushed back to his dusty throat.

"…Anything that won't make me feel like shit?"

"Oh, we got something for after fun. Of course ice cold water is the classic, but Tom makes a really good mix with oysters and-"

"I'll take it, take anything." He put on his iconic sunglasses; without them he felt nude.

Once they properly bathed and dressed, they walked down the stairs to a corridor leading to the bar; her arm interlocked with his. Her golden hoop earrings bounced with every step they took, and he noticed how she had put the extensions again. What for- Oh, of course…After he left she would surely need to find more…

Tom was sweeping the sticky, grey floors of his inn as he spotted the two approaching him. The buff barman crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at them. Ace hadn't noticed till now, since he always met him behind the bar, but now face to face; he could notice just how tall the man was. No superpowers, he ventured, but a wrong word towards him would send you spiraling across the room.

Jordan, however, was chipper at the sight of him.

"Good day, Tom!"

He nodded, though Ace thought his eyes stood looking at him a little longer than her.

"Jordan, sir…"

"Not a sir. Just Ace." Everybody had to be clear on that.

He seemed to ignore the young man's retort as he asked.

"What'll you have?"

"Oh, a strong breakfast, Tom. For, you know, afternights…"

"Say no more."

He pointed towards one of the many, now empty, seats in the locale. Jordan lead Ace to two comfy cushions by a corner in the left, hiding from the sunlight. As the two got comfortable in their seats, Tom rushed towards the kitchen.

"Well, last night was fun."

"Was it more fun because we were drunk, or something else?"

"Could be that, could be both, could be another thing…"

"Well I don't wanna have the reputation of a wet fish, either…"

"Don't worry, darling, I won't go around gossiping that."

He took a box of cigarettes out of his left pocket and began to lit one. The morning really wouldn't start well without his nicotine rush.

"Oh, gimme…"

"…Don't you have…?"

"Yes, but you know, it's more classy if the two of us are smoking."

He shrugged, and offered an untouched butt for her to pick. She raised and lit it with his own silver lighter.

"Thank you."

"So what does the rest of the day look like for you?"

"Meeting up with the boys, seeing our sales…" Yeah, that was the nice way of saying they were involved with arms trading, drug trafficking, the black market...The good stuff. After all, they weren't teens anymore; but they had to avoid raising red flags for the cops to catch them.

"And you? Surely going to the mall and shopping some nice goods."

"I'm not a teenager, Ace. I also work…Maybe seeing my girls, ordering next week's schedule…"

"Girls…? Oh."

"Yeah, we work under Randy, but we're a protected guild, we look after each other."

"I see."

"They're like my sisters, they don't do anything without my approval sometimes." She chortled softly under the clouds of smoke. "They're so lost sometimes."

He chortled back at her. If she only knew…

"I get what you're saying."

"Being a big sister is exhausting."

"Yeah, sometimes it feels more like being a dad."

"And you overlook how they eat, where they sleep, if the money lasts to care for all of them, and do you even get a thanks? No!"

"If you don't even get time to properly rest, nah, every five minutes you have to run to see what's the other doing, or attempting to stop two from killing each other."

The two laughed at the coincidences. Amidst the smoke, Ace noticed the whore's eyes again. Green now. Huh…Either they were contacts or his eyesight was failing him too.

Soon, Tom arrived with a wide tray carrying the "large breakfast". Eggs, toast, water…Ace quickly took note of the coffee and rushed a hand towards one of the mugs. Meanwhile, Jordan seemed lost in thought.

"Well, It's a living. Sometimes life doesn't go according to plan. And when that happens, well, you cry and swear a little bit, you break a few glasses, but then you have to raise yourself up. Others won't be so thoughtful."

She took a small pill once she stopped, and drank a sip from her water bottle. As Ace observed her, he wondered if he could apply the same philosophy to his life. In a way, he could, but he was smart enough to observe that at least in the five years, he didn't allow himself to be another chess piece. Being a victim throughout his life brought him little benefits.

Once she finished drinking, she continued.

"So, when can I see you again?"

"You ask all your clients that?"

"The ones that pay well, but…You're pretty likable."

He smirked. Was she implying he was a cheapskate? He sent a glance that made her shrug.

"Blame it on my monster fetish, honey, what can I say."

A fetish, huh…Well, better than others, he guessed. He was handsome, after all, and still managed to get action. When compared to the other freaks running down town…

"…That you have really good taste or really vanilla fetishes."

"A bit of column A, a bit of column B…"

"I'll go with the more positive outcome."

She delivered that erotic smirk that bewitched him last night.

"We all do. Now, talking of positive outcomes…About my payment…"

Shoot. Would've been better to avoid that altogether… He rummaged through his pockets

"So, last night and the breakfast, right?"

"Yeah, I think you already paid Tom for the drinks no?"

"Yeah yeah yeah…So how much?

"…175…"

"…Kinda cheap, no?"

"You have more?"

"Ouch, no need to be mean."

"I'm not, it's just that my actual boyfriend is also green, and also wanted in every state."

He laughed, but eventually paid. Once the girl guarded the dollars in her purse, she returned to him a soft, lazy smile.

"Regardless, I would like to see you again, Ace. To do…"

"Each other."

"That, and maybe other things."

Bah, he shouldn't get his hopes up…But she was certainly pretty.

"Well, then, take care, Ace…You know where to find me."

"There's a spotlight right over you, babe."

She gave him a little goodbye kiss on the cheek, and Ace returned home; humming a tune under his breath.

The walk towards the dump took less time than usual. Maybe it was due to being alone, and taking less diversions to distract him from the journey. Maybe it was because he really wanted to rest in his own bed for the rest of the morning, so he hurried the step.

Regardless, once the shack in his sight, he took faster steps. So fast he almost ignored the sixth member of the gang as he passed him by. Biff, of course, wasn't impressed.

The pitbull barked at him so suddenly Ace almost tripped. Shocked, he turned until he found the culprit, and sighed.

"G'day, Biff."

The dog, once recognizing his master, recoiled and approached him softly. Ace scratched behind the dog's ears as his gaze further travelled into the shack. The boys would probably be up already.

They got Biff some time ago, once their criminal activities increased, and would prefer to maintain their distance from the rest of town. And well, if the dinky dump wasn't enough to drive curious bystanders away; surely a snarling dog would, right?

The only downside was Biff was pure untamed fire when released. Only Billy could sooth him, and that wasn't enough sometimes. But Ace was grateful; if their gang needed to be feared they needed to openly show it.

After petting the dog, he went back in the direction of the house and unlocked the room. He took a cursory glance until his eyes arrived on a green mass near the one chipped wooden table that they owned.

"BOSS!" Echoes rumbled across the shack. There they were; his mates, his comrades, his brothers. He gave them a small smile in return.

"Good mornin', boys. Had breakfast already?" Nothing much, he guessed by the sight of leftover bread and donuts. But eh, it was better than diving in the dump, he figured.

"We were waiting for you, actually." Snake hissed, crossing his arms over the table.

"Hey boss, where were you last night?"

"Havin' fun, Billy."

He fist bumped with Arturo as he approached him. Compared to the others, his little brother seemed less concerned about Ace's escapades, but he ventured that was due to his own rambunctious nature. Ace was sure that in a few years, Arturo could be up to his own schemes with a car and an expensive designer purse.

"Buenos días, compadre."

"Hermanito…"

"You had fun last night, did you leave us for another band?" Billy's voice sounded so willful, even at his 21 years.

"Nonono, boys, how can you think that? No, bands come and go, but you're my boys. We stick through thick and thin, remember?"

"Snake told us you were drinking alone."

Of course, he figured. His reptilian friend seemed to observe him with a tiresome glance. He cares, in his own way.Still didn't mean he couldn't be pesky about it, tho.

"Alone, maybe, but not bored." He paused, pausing for the dramatic atmosphere. "I met someone."

Those were the magic words, he figured, the key to the desired reaction. They gasped, their eyebrows, their mouths agape. At once, a million thoughts escaped their minds.

"Someone!?"

"A girl? Tehehehe, they're never far from you are they?"

"Do we know her?"

"Someone from your band!?

"Pffft!"

"Boys, boys, relax, it's nothing to get upset about! I can answer all your questions, one at a time."

"How did it happen!?" Snake's hiss seemed louder than usual, but Ace responded as calmly as he planned.

"Right after you left, she found me alone and dunno, maybe my skin caught her attention."

"Pfft?"

"She was pretty chill, actually. We talked and joked and drank and-"

"-Fucked."

"Thank you, Snake, you've read my mind." Oh yeah, only an idiot wouldn't notice the sarcasm dripping from that reply.

"Is she pretty, boss?"

He imitated the symbol of a chef's kiss as he replied.

"Gorgeous, Billy. She has hair that's, and her eyes are wow…And her tits…Oooh…"

Remembering her bare brown nipples, and how smoothly he drew his nails on them; was enough to make him shudder…

"I think she's Latina."

"¿Te lo dijo?"

He shook his head slightly. He understood where would Arturo's interest come from, but he had to be sure before confirming anything. Jordan…It didn't sound Hispanic. Then again, It could be her preferred nickname. Maybe she just hide her true identity to seem more desirable to American clients. Nothin' new under the sun, honestly.

"No sé, lo pensé. Tendría que confirmarlo."

But Snake was less than impressed about all of these details, even if he didn't understand their Spanish. He never likes anythin' I do, anyhow.

"So what, you just came over to gloat over your victories in the bed? Are you some bitter school jock now?"

"I like boasting about my victories, yeah. You know me, Snake." He turned his glance to the rest of the team. "I'm just gonna be a little…busy these days."

"Just for this girl? Ace, I think you're going a little too fast."

"I know, Arturo, I know, but she's…She's special. Just wait till you meet her."

Snake held his breath, but Ace was certain about his decision. Why not? Even if she was a whore, it'd do good for them to gain allies outside of the supervillain circle.

Grubber then rasped something, something that made the others laugh; but Ace grimaced. He's not easy to fool. Again, so what if I bring her?Goodness, because a whore with only a knife as a weapon could stand a chance against the Gangreen Gang.

"I know I won't ask for your pennies, if you're gonna be so direct."

"But Ace…Maybe bringing a girl you just met home is not…I mean…"

"This isn't like that. I'm no idiot to repeat mistakes."

But all their eyes carried the same, accusatory glance. Doubt, pessimism, exhaustion…What a welcome, honestly.

He slammed his hand over the table and left the shack for a smoke. Yeah, as leader he should not be questioned. Sure, maybe he trusted the wrong person in the past, but how many years had that been? People grow, and people learn. And he knew that better than anyone.

And more nights like that one passed, one after another, pages of an outdated newspaper, quickly skimmed and dropped. Nobody would've thought much of wasted days, but him? Oh, he got to taste her over and over again, massage her hair until it melted in his arms; and she could ride him and take him till sunlight protruded into the room. (Ah, that's what that felt like, the first night he tasted it)

Their morning conversations would be laced with smoke and memories, and loud laughs would finish their sentences. And the money was flushed away, but that wasn't nothing that a few deals here and there couldn't solve. Sell more guns, sell more hash, why not, why not? He needed to attend his cravings at the moment, and sex didn't allow him to think of logistics.

One night, the red room was occupied, so they were directed to the next vacant space: the ocean chambers. Dark blue velvet decorated the drapes and used furniture decorated the room. Much older, much classier. Would not befit him, but he guessed it would do for the night.

He ventured in a moment that they paused in bed, her circling a lone finger in his chest.

"…I want something…"

"Hm?"

"Do something, something now…"

"Sure my king, what is it?"

"…This is part of the package?"

"…Well, for tonight…It depends on what you want, my king…"

He approached her, whispering in her ear. Her face turned from curious to amused. He didn't recall trying it before, but it always…called to him. Maybe this was too sudden, but better take it in now than waste more time. He shouldn't be nervous. He'd seen enough videos to know of it fully.

And, after all, he could trust her, right? She was much more experienced than he'd ever be…

"Oooh, hoohoohohoh…I can do that."

Some time later (after finding the proper equipment), his hands were tied behind him, and he found himself on his knees. Meanwhile, she was towering over him, pressing a high heel slowly onto his chest. A makeshift leash was around his neck, and she held its extreme. He bit his lips as her soft eyes followed him. His blood was running…

"I'm your queen, and you're my king…" A voice so soft, so smooth, running down his skin. She slightly lowered an arm and pinched a bare, green nipple of his. He couldn't stop shuddering under her touch…

"M-my queen…"

"Huh? What's that? Speak a little louder, my sweet."

She pulled the leash, and dug deeper her heel, running down his chest until it pressed on his cock. He hissed, biting his lips. His pants were getting tighter…

"I'm at your service, my queen…"

"And be my slave, won't you, my sweet prince…?"

He gnarled, his breath quickening. She lowered her head and stole a kiss from him, still pressing on to his member…

"This'll be your ultimate fantasy, my sweet…!"

And her lips were upon him, lowered, tasting him, savoring him, devouring him…And she kept sucking, licking…Until he finished, and she devoured it greedily.

She rose her head again, filled, and after a small grimace, she returned to her natural airy smile.

"Icepick."

Ah yeah, the code word, yeah…She released the leash and went on to untie his hands. As he shook his wrists to bring the circulation back, she pat him soflty on the back.

"It's alright, you did well."

"Was I good?"

"Did you like it, my king?"

"…Yeah, yeah, it was great."

Her smile widened, but her eyes remained close.

"Then it was good." She paused. "Come, I'll give you a massage."

Afterwards, she led him gently onto the bed, and caressed softly his sore spots. He felt tired, very tired…But satisfied. It had been good, he was full. He had tasted it, and so far, was willing to go for another scoop…But maybe next time.

"Yous…You know of this, right?"

"It's in my job description. I should know some tricks…Grab a sheet, you must be freezing…"

But maybe…Maybe there was something more, something else…The sex was good, really good,but something about doing it in dingy rooms, isolated from the world…Just seemed vacant.

And there was the matter of trust, of the accusations his band would still recall onto him. No, it wouldn't repeat itself, he knew it. The more he would know her, the less likely it would be for her to stab him in the back.

A wild idea took ahold of him, but he guessed, without wild chances he would've never advanced in life. So, he turned and grabbed her hands. His eyes locked quickly with his, black against brown.

"I want us to go on dates."

As expected, her eyes widened in surprise. But he wouldn't relent, not unless he was given a proper answer

"…You know that will cost different-"

"-I'm willing to pay."

She paused, her lips pursed...C'me on, be quick…